Foundation in Game Programming

Award: TBC
Duration: 32 weeks, Part-time
Learning Format: Instructor-led lectures/workshops & guided practical sessions
Fees: £1600 (£1320 Ex-VAT)

Overview

Our Foundation Studies curriculum includes everything you need to get started in game development: two C++ programming courses, a quick primer on high school level mathematics, an introductory course on 3D graphics programming techniques, and an easy to use level design tool with accompanying documentation.

The Foundation modules lay the groundwork for the more challenging Advanced Game Development package and is an important pre-requisite if you intend to continue to develop modern 3D games. This package provides a good introduction to the game software development process and as such, is highly recommended if you lack programming experience or are not yet sure whether game programming is an appropriate field of study for you.

Should you decide that game development is not something you wish to pursue further, the core programming language experience you will gain with these courses will provide you with marketable new skills that can be applied in other sectors.

The Foundation in Game Programming includes the following modules:

C++ Programming for Game Developers - Module I

In this first C++ module, you will become proficient with core C++ topics such as variables, console input and output, functions, loops, programming logic, pointers, strings, classes, and object oriented design and methodologies. In addition, you will study more complex C++ subject matter, such as operator overloading, file input and output, inheritance, and polymorphism.

C++ Programming for Game Developers - Module II

In this second C++ module, you will begin to move away from the text-based console applications built in Module I, and begin to examine Windows programming with the Win32 API. With the Win32 API, you will be able to write programs with resizable windows, mouse input, graphics, menus, toolbars, scroll bars, dialog boxes, and controls.

You will learn about fundamental graphic concepts such as double buffering, sprites, animation and timing, and masking. By the end of the course, you will have developed a fully functional 2D game, complete with graphics, physics, artificial intelligence, and input via the mouse. After completing this course, you will be adequately prepared for your first course in 3D graphics programming.

Graphics Programming with DirectX 9 - Module I

This module explores the fundamentals of 3D graphics rendering. The focus throughout these early lessons is on the core features of the DirectX 9 fixed-function rendering pipeline. This includes loading and drawing geometric objects, the use of lighting and textures to provide scene detail, developing camera systems for viewing simulation environments in real-time, and using alpha components for controlling object transparency to produce effects like glass and water.

Maths Primer - Self Study

The Maths Primer module reviews the fundamental mathematics necessary to get you started with game development. Essentially it is a quick review of the key maths topics that you studied at high school. The purpose here is to quickly prepare you for the more advanced mathematics you will study in the Advanced Game Development package.

Other Games Courses:

Professional Series